Biography
Founder & Senior Investigator,
FBI Art Crime Team
Robert K. Wittman joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988 and was assigned to the Philadelphia Field Division. Through specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, he became the Bureau's foremost investigative expert in art and cultural property crime.
During his 20-year career, he recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property, resulting in the prosecution and conviction of numerous individuals across the globe.
In 2005, Wittman was instrumental in creating the FBI's rapid deployment Art Crime Team (ACT) — the first of its kind. Named the ACT's Senior Investigator, he trained its founding members in cultural property investigation techniques and represented the United States in more than 20 countries, instructing international police and museums in investigation, recovery, and security.
The Wall Street Journal called him "a living legend." The London Times dubbed him "the most famous art detective in the world."
The Firm
Security & Recovery
Consulting Worldwide
In 2008, after 20 years with the FBI, Robert Wittman retired from the Bureau and brought his expertise to the private sector, founding Robert Wittman Inc. — a Security and Recovery Consulting firm drawing on his unique investigative experience to protect clients from losses related to theft, fraud, and forgery.
Since its inception, Robert Wittman Inc. has grown far beyond its original vision, providing protection and recovery services to more than 100 public and private collections worldwide. The firm proudly serves a diverse portfolio of institutions, auction houses, collectors, galleries, insurance companies, and nations committed to protecting their cultural assets.
Robert Wittman Inc. is also actively involved in the recovery and restitution of stolen and illicitly acquired art and cultural artifacts, and offers services enabling collectors and investors to conduct proper provenance research and acquisition vetting.
Awards & Honors